Comparative Study of Knowledge and Attitude toward Breastfeeding Practices among Egyptian and Saudi Mothers in Qassim Region

Background: Approximately 52 % of babies in Saudi Arabia are breast fed for more than 6 months compared with approximately 96% in Egypt. Few studies compared the infant feeding of these two neighboring countries despite the similarities in their social systems. Objectives: The present study aimed to compare knowledge and attitude toward breastfeeding practices among Egyptian and Saudi mothers in Qassim region. Methods: A descriptive explorative study was conducted. The data was collected from 340 mothers (191 Egyptian and 149 Saudi) including socio-demographic data, mother's knowledge and attitude towards breastfeeding and the practices. Results: exclusive BF was reported by 74.6% of Egyptian compared to 42.1% of Saudi mothers with highly statistically significant difference. The mean duration of breast feeding was 17.5 months among Egyptian compared to 8.1 months among Saudi mothers. Both Egyptian and Saudi mothers had a high level attitude toward BF practice. Conclusion: Research in infant feeding should be a health priority to improve the rate of breastfeeding and to minimize other inappropriate practices. Most of the Egyptian and Saudi participants who ceased breastfeeding attributed this to return to work; consequently governmental policies regarding longer leave for new mothers and child care centers inside large institutions should be considered. More effort is needed to support and encourage breast-feeding particularly in Saudi Arabia. [Fathia A. Mersal, Hanan M. Mohamed Tork and Hala M. Mohamed Hussein. Comparative Study of Knowledge and Attitude toward Breastfeeding Practices among Egyptian and Saudi Mothers in Qassim Region. Life Sci J 2012;9(3):308-314]. (ISSN: 1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 42